The West Central River Valley Community Band is currently accepting new and returning members for summer rehearsals set to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Arkansas Center for Music Education at 502 Tyler Road.

The band will prepare pieces for at least two performances, including marches and movie themes.

Rehearsals will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays with four rehearsals prior to the Aug. 2 performance, plus a tentative performance July 31. Players should be at least junior high level to participate.

To register to participate in the event, or for more information, pleasecontact Shirley Faulkner at (479) 264-9107 or visit www.ac-me.org.

July 4th in the park at New Blaine

Festivities for the July 4th in the park at New Blaine will begin at 6 a.m. Friday, as the 19th annual Mountain Dew Pancake Breakfast will continue until 10.

A 5K Run/Walk will begin at 7:30, and those interested in participating may contact Sarah Ick for more information and registration at (479) 938-2223.

Train rides touring the park, carnival type games, fire truck rides and bingo will be conducted from 8-11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. The 10th Annual Miss and Mr. Firecracker Pageant will begin at 4 p.m. with baby and tiny divisions with little, junior and young divisions at 5. At 7, a skydiver will make his jump.

As night falls, a firework display will light up the sky concluding the celebration.

Russellville Class of 1964 reunion

The Russellville High School Class of 1964 will celebrate a 50th class reunion on Friday and Saturday, July 5. The event will begin with a pizza party and fireworks at the home of Billy and Marlene Newton on Friday.

Other events on Saturday include a memorial service at noon followed by a cookout at Lake Point Conference Center where all former teachers, family and friends are invited.

The reunion will conclude with a program on Saturday night at Lake Point featuring rock and roll music by the band “On the Verge.” All classes of the 60s are cordially invited to attend the Saturday evening event.

For reservations or more information, contact Mary Ann Rollans at (479) 747-3777.